Kenya’s media regulator has threatened to revoke local media outlets’ broadcast licenses if they do not “exercise caution” when covering opposition protests.
On Monday, police engaged opposition supporters in running battles in Nairobi’s capital. Police allegedly shot and killed a university student in the western town of Kisumu.
The opposition accuses the government of being “illegitimate” and failing to address rising living costs.
Local television stations broadcast live coverage of the protests, including clashes between police and demonstrators.
Television cameras also followed Raila Odinga’s convoy as he drove through Nairobi’s residential suburbs to rally his supporters.
The Communications Authority of Kenya said in a statement that at least six TV stations violated the programming code in their coverage.
According to the code, “violent, sensational, or alarming details that are not essential to factual reporting” are not permitted.
It stated that failure to follow regulations will result in penalties such as the revocation of broadcast licenses and frequencies.
Mr. Odinga has stated that the protests will begin next Monday and Thursday.
